Automakers are abandoning the mid-size sedan segment like Napoleon abandoned his troops in Egypt. They just want out of there.

But you can’t blame car companies. Drivers have caught on to the benefits of owning an SUV, and have been buying them up.

But it wasn’t so long ago that the mid-size sedan was the go-to vehicle for family transportation. And these cars have their merits.

By default, a sedan should be quicker and nimbler than an SUV, and, if designed right, should be more aerodynamic, resulting in a more fuel-efficient and smoother ride on the highway.

So let’s take a look at what’s available at a cost of less than $35,000 in 2024. It’s not a long list. You’ll notice the Honda Accord does not appear here and neither does the Hyundai Sonata. The Sonata’s price is just a few dollars too high to make this list, while the Accord’s starting price is a few grand too high.

The list is arranged from most to least expensive. But first, a disclaimer.

The following article is neither a review nor a recommendation, it is simply a list of what’s available. Starting advertised price is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), including fees and levies. Price after tax is what you may expect to pay. Fees, levies and taxes may differ province to province. This list is based on Ontario prices. Dealers may set their own prices. This list doesn’t include manufacturer or dealer discounts, special offers or incentives. Check with your local dealer for an exact price. Inventory issues may impact vehicle availability.

Nissan Altima

Starting advertised price: $34,383

Price after tax: $38,949

The Nissan Altima (pictured up top) kicks off our list. It’s a mid-size sedan that leans toward a performance-oriented drive. You get a 182 hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine as standard, plus heated front seats, LED projector headlights, remote engine start and more.

Build yours on the Nissan Canada website.

Toyota Camry

Starting advertised price: $34,204.50

Price after tax: $38,651.09

The Camry is always a strong seller for Toyota and with good reason. You get a comfortable ride, Toyota’s reputation as a reliable automotive brand, and a price that undercuts its main segment competitor, the Honda Accord, by about $5,000 for the base model. For a little less than two grand more, you can also move up to the hybrid model. Keep in mind, this is the last year of the current generation. The 2025 Camry will launch in early 2024 and will be available as a hybrid only.

Build yours on the Toyota Canada website.

Kia K5

Starting advertised price: $33,083

Price after tax: 37,383.79

Kia’s mid-size sedan is another performance-focused ride on this list, plus it comes with a number of comfort features, including a heated steering wheel, which is standard even on the base model, not to mention safety features such as lane keep assist and blind-sport collision avoidance assist. The car comes standard with a 1.6 L turbo engine, which produces 180 hp and 195 lb. ft. of torque, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Build yours on the Kia Canada website.

Chevrolet Malibu

Starting advertised price: $31,530

Price after tax: $35,628

The Malibu is the least expensive car on this list, possibly due to the age of this current generation of this Chevy. But, you get a roomy car with a handsome interior and a fuel-efficient 1.5 L turbo engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Gas mileage is rated at 8.6 L/100 km city and 6.8 L/100 km highway.

Build yours on the Chevrolet Canada website.